Small intestinal tubulovillous adenoma--case report and literature review

Benign small intestinal tumour, though rare, have been reported. We report a case of sessile and extensive tubulovillous adenoma in a 13-year-old girl. She presented in a private hospital with three months history of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, constipation, weight loss and anorexia. Significant findings on examination were weight loss, dehydration, and a huge smooth, not tender, mobile and indentable mass which extended from the left lumbar region to right iliac fossa. Visible peristalsis coursing from left to right was seen on the mass. Erect and supine plain abdominal x-rays revealed features of partial intestinal obstruction and abdominal ultrasound scan revealed dilated and hypertrophied bowel segment but could not say the bowel segment affected. The affected segment was found to be a 55cm portion of terminal ileum at operation which was resected due to hypertrophied proximal and collapsed distal segments, features in keeping with chronic intestinal obstruction, and ileo-ileal anastomosis done. Histology report was that of benign tubulovillous adenoma and the girl has enjoyed stable health for more than a year on close follow up in surgical outpatient clinic. This case highlights the unusual presentation and unusual gross nature of this small intestinal adenoma, which was found to be a benign adenoma on histological examination.